The Duke of Sussex won't take part in any post-coronation celebrations as he plans to reunite with his wife and children after witnessing his father be formally crowned.
- April 20, 2023
AceShowbiz - Prince Harry won't attend King Charles' Coronation Concert. The Duke of Sussex is returning to the UK to watch his father and stepmother, Queen Consort Camilla, be formally crowned at Westminster Abbey in London on May 6 but he's reportedly planning to return to wife Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex and their two children in the US just hours later and won't get involved with other celebrations planned for the weekend, including the musical extravaganza at Windsor Castle on May 7.
"After much back and forth, Harry said that he would be returning for the King's Coronation but it will only be a fleeting visit. Organisers have been told Harry won't be attending the concert with the rest of the Royal Family, which is a great shame as it will be such a spectacular event," a source told the Daily Mirror newspaper.
However, according to the outlet, the 38-year-old royal - who has Prince Archie, who turns four on coronation day, and Princess Lilibet, 22 months, with Meghan - is planning to return to the UK this summer.
The Coronation Concert will include performances from the likes of Lionel Richie, Take That, Katy Perry, and Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, who will duet with Welsh opera icon Sir Bryn Terfel, as well as soul pianist Alexis Ffrench and singer-songwriter Freya Ridings.
Lionel recently revealed the king has personally requested he perform one particular song, though he refused to reveal which track the monarch has asked for. Speaking to E! News, Lionel revealed the king has asked for a specific song, saying, "And the answer is yes, I will do it. We will not reveal because it's completely enveloped in secrecy. So, all I can tell you is I'm very happy to be there."
Despite having a good idea about his setlist, the 73-year-old singer admitted other aspects are still coming together. He added, "I don't even know what we're going to finalise. All I know is we've got this wonderful invitation. I'm pulling from everywhere."
The "Hello" hitmaker is no stranger to the royals, but explained there are often aspects of the official protocol that he gets surprised by. He said, "There's always something where I go, 'Oh, I didn't know that.' Be prepared, just be sure to just say 'sir and ma'am' - forget everything else. Just remember 'sir and ma'am,' and you kind of walk your way through."
